Becky Edwards

The famous opening lines of “Tale of Two Cities” describe the past several days, with a minor adjustment: “It was the most challenging of times, it was the most gratifying of times.” (OK, not quite as catchy as the whole “best of times, worst of times” that Dickens went with) The two retirement bills, SB 43 and SB 63, passed out of the House last week were two of the most difficult votes I’ve taken this session. There were multiple amendments that assuaged many of my concerns, especially related to creating mechanisms to revisit increasing wage for public employees. It was a better bill in the end than it started out, thanks in part to all who contributed their recommendations to the committee trying to sort this all out. A huge thanks to Senator Dan Liljenquist for his tremendous dedication and commitment to crafting the best bill he could that would address our dilemma we are faced with. Is it a perfect bill? No. Does it adequately represent the financial commitment we should have to our public employees, fire fighters, public safety officers, and teachers? No. But, in the end, is it necessary to address the long term sustainability of the URS? Yes. By far, my two yes votes on these retirement bills will be the hardest votes of the session, hands down.

The most gratifying part of the past several days has been watching my bills progress through the system. The Autism License plate bill, HB 327, was passed out of the House today and will move to the Senate. The Air Quality bill, HB 456, also passed out of the House and is on it’s way to the Senate. The eScrap recycling bill, HB 153, passed unanimously out of committee this afternoon and will next be heard on the floor. Lastly, the Refinery amendments bill, HB 169, will be heard tomorrow in the House Natural Resources committee. HB 162, Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, will be worked on during the interim with support from the Sentencing Commission, and HB 416, Motor Vehicle Emissions Amendments, will get worked on during interim as well. The bills moving through the system are the products of lots of hours and efforts from a team of people and I’m so grateful for those from the legislative staff, the community, and different agencies and industries who have been such great team members in helping move these bills forward.